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–+ servings
A small cup of Cuban cafe cubano beside a stovetop moka pot.

Cuban Cafe Cubano

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Strong, sweet Cuban moka-pot coffee finished with a thin hand-whipped sugar espuma.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 6 demitasse cups
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 32
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

Coffee
  • 1/3 cup finely ground dark-roast coffee espresso grind
  • 1 1/4 cups filtered water or enough for the moka pot base
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Equipment

  • 6-cup stovetop moka pot
  • Heatproof measuring cup
  • Small sturdy bowl
  • Teaspoon
  • Six demitasse cups

Method
 

Brew:
  1. Fill the moka pot base with water to just below the safety valve. Fill the basket level with coffee without tamping, assemble the pot, and heat over medium-low.
Make the Espuma:
  1. Place sugar in a small bowl. As soon as the first teaspoon or two of dark coffee emerges, spoon it over the sugar.
  2. Beat vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar becomes pale, thick, and glossy.
Finish:
  1. Pour the remaining brewed coffee into a heatproof cup. Fold in the whipped sugar until a thin caramel-colored foam rises.
  2. Divide immediately among six demitasse cups.

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcalCarbohydrates: 8gSodium: 2mgSugar: 8g

Notes

  • Do not tamp coffee in a moka pot; level it gently for safe, even brewing.
  • Traditional cafe cubano is intentionally sweet and served in very small portions.